The African National Congress (ANC) is hosting one of its final election rallies at Currie's Fountain in eThekwini, ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Young ANC supporters, including Lindani Gumede and Nkululeko Khumalo, have expressed confidence in the party's policies, particularly with regards to issues affecting South Africa's youth. Gumede cited the ANC's record in governance, highlighting the introduction of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in colleges and schools.
The city of eThekwini, where the rally is being held, is home to three public universities and several private ones, making young people an important voting bloc in the upcoming local government elections. However, people in their 20s have consistently had the lowest voter turnout in elections, largely due to the high rate of youth unemployment, which has left many feeling despondent about participating in elections.
Despite this, Gumede and Khumalo have urged young people to get more actively involved in politics and elections, regardless of the party they support. Khumalo noted that many parties have borrowed fundamental principles and policies from the ANC, making it a party that young people can trust. The ANC's NEC's top six members met at the party's NEC meeting held at the Lakewood Conference Centre, Ormonde, from 1 to 4 August 2025.
The ANC is making a final push ahead of the local government elections, with President Cyril Ramaphosa stepping up campaign efforts in eThekwini. Ramaphosa has expressed confidence that the ANC will receive an outright majority in Johannesburg. The party is also ramping up its election campaign in Soweto ahead of the municipal polls.
The local government elections are taking place against the backdrop of high youth unemployment and other challenges facing the country. ANC leaders, including Ramaphosa, have acknowledged shortcomings and emphasized the need for the party to engage with voters. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is also gearing up for the elections, with preparations underway for special voting.
Other parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), are also campaigning ahead of the elections. EFF leader Julius Malema has criticized the government's handling of the water crisis in South Africa. Meanwhile, the Western Cape electoral chief has assured readiness ahead of the municipal polls.
As the elections approach, parties are taking their campaigns to voters across the country. In KwaZulu-Natal, parties are engaging with voters ahead of the polls, with the ANC making a final push to secure votes. The IEC is set to outline preparations for special voting, and operations at airports, including Cape Town International Airport, are expected to return to normal.
Key points
- The ANC is hosting one of its final election rallies in eThekwini, where young supporters have expressed confidence in the party's policies.
- The local government elections are taking place against the backdrop of high youth unemployment and other challenges facing the country.
- Other parties, including the EFF, are also campaigning ahead of the elections, with EFF leader Julius Malema criticizing the government's handling of the water crisis.
